Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

This programme integrates core computer science topics with coursework in media, design and interactive systems. Early years focus on foundational computing: programming, data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics and computer systems. As you progress you study software engineering and development practices alongside modules in human–computer interaction, interactive media, graphics and animation, audio and visual computing, web and mobile application development, databases, and introductory machine learning and computer vision.

The curriculum typically includes project-based courses and a substantial capstone or practicum in which students design and implement a complete interactive application or multimedia system. Electives allow deeper study in areas such as game development, AR/VR, user experience design, information visualisation, real‑time graphics, and multimedia production. Team projects and studio-style courses emphasise iterative design, usability testing and software project management.

• Core computing: programming, data structures, algorithms, computer systems
• Software engineering: design patterns, testing, architectures, collaborative development
• Media and interaction: HCI, user-centred design, graphics, animation, sound design
• Applications: web and mobile development, games, AR/VR, multimedia systems
• Supporting topics: databases, networks, machine learning, computer vision
• Capstone/practicum: interdisciplinary team project producing a deployable application or prototype

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics and in computing or related sciences. Typical incoming students have strong performance in secondary-school mathematics (calculus or equivalent) and prior programming experience gained through coursework, extracurricular projects, or self-directed learning.

Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose are usually required. Many applicants strengthen their application with a portfolio or links to software projects, multimedia work or game prototypes demonstrating relevant skills. Successful candidates also show evidence of problem-solving ability and teamwork from project or internship experience. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of roles at the intersection of software and media. Common career paths include software engineer, front-end or full‑stack developer, mobile application developer, user experience (UX) or interaction designer, game developer, multimedia or graphics engineer, AR/VR developer, and data visualisation specialist. The combination of technical and design skills also suits roles in product management, technical art and creative technology, as well as entrepreneurship.

Alumni work in consumer technology, entertainment and games, digital media agencies, startups, and research labs, and many pursue graduate study in computer science, HCI or related fields. The programme’s project portfolio and industry-focused coursework are particularly valuable for securing internships and early-career technical roles.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech’s College of Computing is renowned for its strong technical curriculum and interdisciplinary approach, which is well suited to software and media applications. Students benefit from hands-on, project-driven courses, interdisciplinary research centres such as the GVU Center that focus on graphics, visualisation and human–computer interaction, and a campus culture that encourages collaboration between computing, design and engineering.

Located in Atlanta, the institute provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with major technology companies, media firms and startups. Georgia Tech also supports entrepreneurship and industry engagement through incubators and maker spaces, while career services and active alumni networks help students transition into professional roles or further study.